So I was looking at pictures of myself from a recent family get together and I nearly puked on myself. Ok so I have decided I need this lap band more than anything. Diets have driven me up a wall, from counting points to pre packaged food (gross). I've done it all and now its time for a tool to help me with this battle. My BMI is about 37 which puts me at a possible self pay but I'm gonna try the insurance route any way. It does cover WLS so I'm hoping it goes thru. Phhhheeeewwww glad I got that off my chest.

Abs from NJ

I totally know where your coming from. I too had that realization while looking through pictures. Even now I cannot believe I was that FAT! Good luck in your process and dealing with your insurance, keep your head up and stay positive:thumbup:

I know what you both mean. I could look at myself in a mirror and I knew I was overweight, but I could still see me, and there were times I thought I looked pretty good. But then, when I would see pics of myself! Well, reality set in. I could never believe that it was me. At first, I would think that it was just a bad pic, but then after seeing more and more of them, I soon realized it was more than bad pictures. I was in horror! I had gradually let weight get out of hand through the years and the pattern was always the same. Gain weight, lose weight; gain even more weight, lose weight. It has gone back and forth like that since my high school graduation in 1983. I wondered ... at what point did I become okay with this? It has taken me way too long to realize that I needed help. I quit smoking cold turkey 1/15/02, but losing weight is sooo different! You still have to eat to live - but I was living to eat. I am so excited, albeit nervous, about my impending surgery! Congratulations on deciding to take that first step!

Good luck to you Steggegirl. I was like you, always thought it was just a bad picture. The bad thing was everyone would say "oh you don't really look like that", well I did really look like that, and it was time to stop kidding myself. This is the best decision I've ever made. I already feel soooo much better.

Good luck to every one that decided this is the anwer.